Etheostoma lepidum (Baird & Girard, 1853)

Taxonomic Naming

The greenthroat darter, scientifically named Etheostoma lepidum (Baird & Girard, 1853), is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish.

Classification

It is classified as a darter in the subfamily Etheostomatinae, which belongs to the family Percidae — this family also includes perches, ruffes, and pikeperches.

Distribution

This species is found in the Colorado, Guadalupe, and Nueces River drainages in Texas, as well as in the Pecos River system in New Mexico.

Macrohabitat Type

In terms of habitat associations, the greenthroat darter is primarily a spring-run species at the macrohabitat scale.

Avoided Habitats

It is scarce or entirely absent from very eurythermal locations.

General Substrate Range

It can be found in a variety of non-turbid stream habitats with substrates ranging from bedrock to silt-covered deposits, according to Platania (1980).

Riffle Habitat Preferences

It is a typical riffle species that lives over gravel and rubble, particularly when aquatic vegetation is present.

Additional Habitats

It also inhabits spring areas, and sometimes occurs in cool, vegetated pools.

Highest Population Habitat

Its largest populations are found in vegetated rocky riffles.

Post-hatching Trait

After hatching, this species is benthic.

Spawning Egg Deposition

For spawning, it lays its eggs on vegetation or on the underside of rocks.